7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a common fixture in our homes that we utilize every day. There’s a tendency to accept its utility for granted, but it’s crucial to remember that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. There are certain items that should not go down the drain because they can cause obstruction from the pipes or damage to sewer pipes.
Key Takeaways
- Do not flush certain things in the bathroom because they can cause blockages in the drain, or cause damage to sewer pipes.
- Seven household items you should never to flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking oil, as well as cooking grease
- Products for feminine hygiene (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Meds
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Doing this will ultimately lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system. This will come at unimaginable expense to you.
- Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing offers unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.
Here are seven household items you should never flush down the drain.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes may seem convenient, but they do not dissolve like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Put them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Flushing condoms down the toilet could cause blockages in both the plumbing in your home and wastewater treatment facilities.
3. Cooking grease and oil
Oil and grease must be removed from a container and thrown away in the garbage bin, as they can harden and cause obstructions in your drains, or pipes.
4. Female hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pad are usually marketed by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them could cause troubles later on if they mix with other things to create a nasty clog.
5. Medications
It is not recommended to flush medications in the toilet since they could contaminate water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is created to be sturdy so it won’t fall apart in water, causing the possibility of blockages to your pipes.
7. Paper towels
As opposed to toilet paper the paper towels have a more dense weave which makes them less likely to break down quickly when they are wet. This means that they will not easily blockage.
In the end, flushing any of these items will eventually lead to blocked drains and damaged pipes within the plumbing system of your home, which will incur a huge expense to the homeowner. Be mindful of what you send down the toilet.
| Item | Reason for not Flushing |
|---|---|
| Baby wipes | Do not break down like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Dispose of them in the trash instead. |
| Condoms | Leads to blockages both at home’s plumbing and treatment plants. |
| Cooking grease and oil | Will harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes. |
| Feminine hygiene products | Combining with other items creates a nasty clog despite being marketed as "flushable". |
| Medications | Can contaminate our water sources. |
| Dental floss | Designed to be strong, leading to potential blockages in pipes. |
| Paper towels | Less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, easily causing blockages unlike with toilet paper. |
Frequently Asked Question
Can flushing feminine hygiene products can cause harm to my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not dissolve in water and may cause blockages to the sewer or your pipes.
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes do not really break down and can cause clogs in your pipes.
Do I have to flush baby wipes down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should not be flushed down the drain since they won’t dissolve well and can cause blockages.
Are paper towels safe to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper, and they don’t break down so easily, resulting in the possibility of clogging in the plumbing system.
What about medication? Can I flush those into the toilet?
No. Medical treatments can cause a contamination of our waterways. It’s essential to dispose of them properly by taking the containers to an appropriate drop-off point.
If you’re dealing with the problem of a blocked drain Don’t hesitate to call our professional plumbing assistance by calling Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing . We offer unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to make sure your home is not impacted by plumbing issues. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Additional Information
- What You Need to Know About Blocked Drains and How to Resolve Them
- Maximizing the Long-Term Benefits of Pipe Relining by Picking the Ideal Material
- From Blocked to Free-flowing: Drainage Solutions for Blocked Pipes
- Uncovering the Root Causes of Blocked Drains
- Save Future Expenses with CCTV Drain Inspection for Home Buyers
- 5 Ways to Keep Your Drains Clear and Running Smoothly
- Unblocking Blocked Drains: How to Choose Between DIY or Professional Services
- Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
- An Easy DIY Guide to Unblocking Your Clogged Drains
- The Ultimate Drain Unblocker: Why Jetting is the Way to Go
